Two-axis hinge and mobile device

ABSTRACT

A two-axis hinge unit is provided with a first rotating shaft that rotates so as to open in the vertical direction from a folded state with a first casing and a second casing overlapping and a second rotating shaft that rotates so as to open in the horizontal direction from a folded state with the first casing and the second casing overlapping, and is provided with a restriction member positioned between the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft that, when one of the rotating shafts is in a predetermined rotational position, is pressed by this one rotating shaft and engages with the other rotating shaft, thereby restricting rotation of that other rotating shaft.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 12/757,707, filed on Apr.9, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,385,056, which claims the benefit ofJapanese Patent Application No. 2009-108967, filed on Apr. 28, 2009, andJapanese Patent Application No. 2009-116160, filed on May 13, 2009, theentire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

This application relates generally to a two-axis hinge and a mobiledevice provided with a two-axis hinge.

BACKGROUND

Foldable mobile handsets equipped with a two-axis hinge such that adisplay case can be in the vertical direction or the horizontaldirection with respect to an operation unit case, the style of thehandset being changeable through this two-axis hinge, have been knownfrom before. For example, such a device is disclosed in Japanese PatentNo. 4216887.

In addition, Unexamined Japanese Patent Application KOKAI PublicationNo. 2005-143000 discloses a mobile device comprising a main body havingan operation unit, a cover having a display, and a connecting unit witha built-in camera, with the main body and the cover connected by theconnecting unit and the connecting unit rotating so that the main bodyand cover can slide relative to each other.

As can be seen in the example disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 4216887,with a conventional two-axis hinge there are no restrictions on the twoaxes, which open two cases vertically and horizontally, so the case canbe opened in an arbitrary direction. However, when the user releases thecase swiftly in the vertical or horizontal direction to change the styleof the mobile handset, the case may rotate in an unintended direction,making it difficult to smoothly operate the two-axis hinge.

In addition, when taking video with a mobile phone, it is desirable fromthe perspective of visibility to take video while viewing the displayscreen horizontally the same as the configuration of a normal movie, butwith the example disclosed in Unexamined Japanese Patent ApplicationKOKAI Publication No. 2005-143000, the display is a vertical screen, soswitching to a horizontal display on this vertical screen would make thedisplay smaller.

SUMMARY

It is an objective of the present invention to improve the operabilityof a two-axis hinge that releases a case vertically or horizontally anda mobile device equipped with such a two-axis hinge.

In order to achieve the above objective, the two-axis hinge according toa first aspect of the present invention is provided with:

a first rotating shaft, which is positioned on a boundary between an endof a first casing and an end of a second casing, and which throughrotating in one direction changes between a folded state with the firstcasing and the second casing overlapping and an open state with thefirst casing and the second casing separated from each other;

a second rotating shaft, which is positioned orthogonal to the firstrotating shaft, and which through rotating in another directionorthogonal to the first direction changes between a folded state withthe first casing and the second casing overlapping and an open statewith the first casing and the second casing separated from each other;and

a restriction member, which is positioned at an end of the firstrotating shaft and an end of the second rotating shaft facing the end ofthe first rotating shaft, such that when one of the rotating shafts isin a predetermined rotational position, the restriction member ispressed by the one rotating shaft and engages with the other rotatingshaft, restricting rotation of the other rotating shaft.

In order to achieve the above objective, a mobile device according to asecond aspect of the present invention is provided with:

a first casing;

a second casing; and

a two-axis hinge comprising a first rotating shaft, which is positionedon a boundary between an end of the first casing and an end of thesecond casing, and which through rotating in one direction changesbetween a folded state with the first casing and the second casingoverlapping and an open state with the first casing and the secondcasing separated from each other; a second rotating shaft, which ispositioned orthogonal to the first rotating shaft, and which throughrotating in another direction orthogonal to the first direction changesbetween a folded state with the first casing and the second casingoverlapping and an open state with the first casing and the secondcasing separated from each other; and a restriction member, which ispositioned at an end of the first rotating shaft and an end of thesecond rotating shaft facing the end of the first rotating shaft, suchthat when one of the rotating shafts is in a predetermined rotationalposition, the restriction member is pressed by the one rotating shaftand engages with the other rotating shaft, restricting rotation of theother rotating shaft.

With the present invention, it is possible to improve ease-of-operationof a two-axis hinge that releases a casing vertically and horizontallyand a mobile device provided with the two-axis hinge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of this application can be obtained whenthe following detailed description is considered in conjunction with thefollowing drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an oblique view showing the composition of a mobile deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows thefolded style of a mobile phone;

FIG. 2 is an oblique view showing the mobile shown in FIG. 1 in normalopen style, opened in the vertical direction;

FIG. 3 is an oblique view showing the mobile phone shown in FIG. 1 inbook style, opened in the horizontal direction;

FIG. 4 is an oblique view showing the movie style of the mobile phoneshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a hinge unit in the folded style shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a wiring in the folded style shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged oblique drawing combining the hinge unit shown inFIG. 5 with the wiring shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an oblique view showing the hinge unit in the folded styleshown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged diagram showing a restriction member of the hingeunit shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the restriction member of the hinge unitshown in FIG. 8 as viewed from a different direction;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged diagram showing the state when the restriction isreleased by the restriction member shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged diagram showing the restriction operation stateof the restriction member shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged diagram of the folded-style mobile phone of FIG.1 as viewed from a third casing side;

FIG. 14 is an oblique view showing bumpers and the third casing of themobile phone of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is an exploded oblique diagram of a switch incorporated into theside surface of a bumper assembly of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a drawing showing the screen and camera directions in thenormal open style of FIG. 2;

FIG. 17 is the mobile phone of FIG. 16 as viewed from a differentdirection;

FIG. 18 is the mobile phone of FIG. 16 as viewed from a differentdirection;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of a portion of the bumper of the mobilephone of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a drawing showing an example of a bumper attached to the sideof the first casing of the mobile phone of FIG. 13;

FIG. 21 is a drawing showing the hinge unit of FIG. 8 in normal openstyle;

FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of the restriction member of the hinge unitof FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a drawing showing the book-style mobile phone shown in FIG. 3as viewed from a different angle;

FIG. 24 is a drawing showing the hinge unit of FIG. 8 in book style;

FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of the restriction member of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a drawing showing the screen and camera directions in themovie style of FIG. 4;

FIG. 27 is a planar diagram of the mobile phone of FIG. 26 as viewedfrom above;

FIG. 28 is a drawing showing the manner of holding the mobile phone ofFIG. 26;

FIG. 29 is a drawing showing the hinge unit of FIG. 8 in movie style;

FIG. 30 is an enlarged view of the restriction member of the hinge unitof FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is an enlarged oblique view of a restriction plate of therestriction member of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is an oblique drawing showing the composition of a restrictionmember according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 33A is a frontal view of restriction member constituent parts ofFIG. 32 in the folded style;

FIG. 33B is a side view of the restriction member constituent parts ofFIG. 32 in the folded style;

FIG. 34A is a frontal view of the restriction member constituent partsof FIG. 32 in the normal open style;

FIG. 34B is a side view of the restriction member constituent parts ofFIG. 32 in the normal open style;

FIG. 35A is a frontal view of the restriction member constituent partsof FIG. 32 in the book style;

FIG. 35B is a side view of the restriction member constituent parts ofFIG. 32 in the book style;

FIG. 36 is an oblique view of a corresponding example of the movie styleof the restriction member constituent parts of FIG. 32;

FIG. 37 is a side view of the restriction member constituent parts ofFIG. 36 in the folded style;

FIG. 38 is a side view of the restriction member constituent parts ofFIG. 36 in the movie style;

FIG. 39 is an oblique view showing an example of use in the book style;

FIG. 40 is an oblique view of the normal open style in an example of thethird casing with an interface unit;

FIG. 41 is an oblique view of the normal open style in an example of thethird casing with a fingerprint sensor or a touch sensor;

FIG. 42 is a drawing showing the folded style of the example of FIG. 41;

FIG. 43 is an oblique view of an example of the third casing with anincoming call lamp in the normal open style;

FIG. 44 is a drawing showing the folded style of the example of FIG. 43;

FIG. 45 is an oblique view of an example of the third casing with asubmonitor and a touch panel in the normal open style;

FIG. 46 is a drawing showing the folded style of the example of FIG. 45;

FIG. 47 is an oblique view of an example of the third casing with aninner camera in the normal open style;

FIG. 48 is a drawing showing the folded style of the example of FIG. 47;

FIG. 49 is a drawing of the two-axis hinge unit and the wiring of FIG. 7as viewed from a different direction;

FIG. 50 is an enlarged view of the holding member and the wiring of FIG.49 as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow E in FIG. 49;

FIG. 51 is a drawing showing the relationship between the wiring and theholding member thereof in FIG. 50;

FIG. 52 is a drawing of the holding member of FIG. 51 as viewed from adifferent direction;

FIG. 53 is an exploded view of FIG. 49 showing the method of assemblingthe holding member into the two-axis hinge unit;

FIG. 54 is a drawing showing an incoming call lamp and the logo piece ofthe mobile phone in folded style of FIG. 1;

FIG. 55 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG.54;

FIG. 56 is a drawing showing the path of light through the light guidemember in FIG. 55;

FIG. 57 is a drawing showing an example of shared illumination in theincoming call lamp and the logo piece of FIG. 54;

FIG. 58 is a drawing showing an example of shared illumination in theincoming call lamp and the case front surface of FIG. 54;

FIG. 59 is a drawing showing an example of shared illumination in theincoming call lamp and a flash of FIG. 54;

FIG. 60 is a drawing showing a charging lamp of FIG. 2 in the normalopen style;

FIG. 61 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in FIG.60;

FIG. 62 is a drawing showing the path of light in the light guide memberof FIG. 61;

FIG. 63 is a drawing showing an example of shared illumination in thelight guide member and near such in FIG. 61;

FIG. 64 shows a variation of a mobile phone in the movie style and is anoblique view of the same; and

FIG. 65 is a drawing showing a high angle state in the movie style ofFIG. 64.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(Embodiment 1) FIGS. 1 to 4 show a mobile phone as the composition of afirst embodiment of the present invention. This mobile phone isprimarily composed of a first casing 1, a second casing 2, a thirdcasing 3, an operation unit 4, a display unit 5, an antenna 6, a moviecamera (photography unit) 7 and an illumination unit 8.

As shown in the drawing, the first casing 1, the second casing 2 and thethird casing 3 of the mobile phone are joined via a below-describedtwo-axis hinge unit 10. The operation unit 4 is provided in the firstcasing 1. The display unit 5 and the antenna 6 are provided in thesecond casing 2. The movie camera 7, which functions as the photographyunit, and the illumination unit 8 are provided in the third casing 3.

FIGS. 5 and 8 show the two-axis hinge unit 10 incorporated inside thethird casing 3.

As shown in FIG. 8, the two-axis hinge unit 10 is composed of a frame 30for the third casing 3, a first rotating shaft 11 positioned to theright side of the frame 30 in FIG. 8, a second rotating shaft 12positioned to the right side of the first rotating shaft 11, a thirdrotating shaft 13 positioned to the left side of the frame 30 in FIG. 8,a pair of first attachment members 21 provided respectively on the leftand right first rotating shaft 11 and third rotating shaft 13, and asecond attachment member 22 provided on the second rotating shaft 12.The second rotating shaft 12 is provided in a direction perpendicular tothe first rotating shaft 11. In addition, the first attachment members21 extend in a direction alongside the first casing 1 and the secondattachment member 22 extends in a direction alongside the second casing2.

The left and right first rotating shaft 11 and third rotating shaft 13are positioned on the same axis, this axis extending in the left-rightdirection, and are hollow. Two brackets 14 are fastened by screws to thetwo outside surfaces of the frame 30. The first rotating shaft 11 isformed integrally with the lower portion of the right bracket 14 in FIG.8 so as to be free to rotate via bearings. In addition, the thirdrotating shaft 13 on the left side in FIG. 8 is formed integrally withthe lower portion of the left bridge 14 so as to be free to rotate viabearings 15. The bearings 15 have a composition that conveys to the usera click sensation at predetermined angles such as 90 degrees or thelike.

One end of the two first attachment members 21 extending in a directionorthogonal to the axis of the first rotating shaft 11 and third rotatingshaft 13 are pressure inserted onto the first rotating shaft 11 and thethird rotating shaft 13 and integrally formed. The first attachmentmembers 21 are formed in an arm shape bending in an “L” shape to theinside of the first casing 1. The other end of each of the firstattachment members 21 is anchored by screws to the inside of the firstcasing 1. The first attachment members 21 are limited for example to 180degrees of rotation through the interlocking structure of the bearingsof the first rotating shaft 11 and the bearings 15 of the third rotatingshaft 13.

Furthermore, the second rotating shaft 12 is on an axis extending in thelengthwise direction of the second casing 2 and is hollow. A protrusion16 is integrally formed on the top of the outside surface of the bracket14 on the right side surface in FIG. 8. The second rotating shaft 12 isintegrally formed with the protrusion 16 so as to be free to rotate viabearings. One end of the second attachment member 22 extending in adirection orthogonal to the axis of the second rotating shaft 12 isformed integrally with second rotating shaft 12 by being pressureinserted onto the second rotating shaft 12. The other end of the secondattachment member 22 is anchored by screws to the inside of the secondcasing 2. In addition, a groove 12 a is formed in the outercircumference of the second rotating shaft 12 and an interlocking piece16 a that interlocks with the groove 12 a is formed on the protrusion16. The angle of rotation of the second attachment member 22 is limitedby the interlocking piece 16 a interlocking into the groove 12 a.

FIG. 6 shows a first wiring 31 and a second wiring 32, and FIG. 7 is adrawing of the first wiring 31 and the second wiring 32 combined withthe two-axis hinge unit 10.

The first wiring 31 is a coaxial cable provided on one end with aconnector 31 a that connects to a circuit board inside the first casing1 and provided on the other end with a connector 31 c that connects to acircuit board inside the third casing 3. The first wiring 31 isconnected from the connector 31 a inside the first casing 1 to theconnector 31 c inside the third casing 3 by passing through the hollowinterior of the first rotating shaft 11 on the right side in FIG. 7.

Furthermore, the second wiring 32 is a coaxial cable provided on one endwith a connector 32 a that connects to a circuit board inside the firstcasing 1 and provided on the other end with a connector 32 b thatconnects to a circuit board inside the second casing 2. The secondwiring 32 is connected from the connector 32 a inside the first casing 1to the connector 32 b inside the second casing 2 by passing through thehollow interior of the first rotating shaft 11 on the right side in FIG.7, passing through the inside of the third casing 3, passing through ahole 81 a in a below-described holding member 81 and passing through thehollow interior of the second rotating shaft 12.

In addition, an antenna wire 33 is provided on one end with a terminal33 a connected to a circuit board inside the first casing 1 and isprovided on the other end with a terminal 33 b connected to a circuitboard inside the second casing 2. The antenna wire 33 is connected fromthe terminal 33 a inside the first casing 1 to the terminal 33 b insidethe second casing 2 by passing through the hollow interior of the firstrotating shaft 11 on the right side in FIG. 7, passing through theinside of the third casing 3, passing through the hole 81 a of thebelow-described holding member 81 and passing through the hollowinterior of the second rotating shaft 12.

Next, the restriction member that restricts the action of the variousrotating shafts in the two-axis hinge unit will be described. FIG. 9shows an enlargement of the restriction unit of the two-axis hinge unit10, and FIG. 10 shows the restriction unit of the two-axis hinge unit 10of FIG. 8 as viewed from a different direction. The two-axis hinge unit10 is provided with a restriction plate 17, a pin 18 and a first cam 19.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the restriction plate 17 extends upwardsfrom a bottom end 17 a positioned inside the frame 30 and is formed inan L shape reaching to a side end 17 b abutting the second rotatingshaft. The restriction plate 17 is assembled on a side surface of theprotrusion 16 positioned on top of the bracket 14 so as to be capable ofswinging by the pin 18 directed parallel to the second rotating shaft12. The restriction plate 17 is formed so that the bottom end 17 athereof abuts the outer perimeter of the first cam 19 formed on the endperimeter of the first rotating shaft 11 and the side end 17 b abuts theouter perimeter of a second cam 29 formed on the end perimeter of thesecond rotating shaft 12.

The first cam 19 formed on the end perimeter of the first rotating shaft11 is composed of a small-diameter part 19 a formed into an extendedsemicircle on the first rotating shaft 11, a large-diameter part 19 bsimilarly formed into a shortened semicircle and a notch 19 c formed inthe center of that large-diameter part 19 b, as shown in FIGS. 11 and12. When the first casing 1 and the third casing 3 are in an overlappingstate (in folded style or book style), the lower end 17 a of therestriction plate 17 is placed in a position opposing the small-diameterpart 19 a of the first cam 19. In addition, when the device is in thenormal open style with the first casing 1 and the third casing 3separated by rotating relative to each other, the lower end 17 a of therestriction plate 17 is placed at a position opposite the large-diameterpart 19 b of the first cam 19. In addition, in the case of the moviestyle when the first casing 1 and the third casing 3 are in a stateseparated by rotation relative to each other, the lower end 17 a of therestriction plate 17 is placed at a position opposite the notch 19 c ofthe large-diameter part 19 b of the first cam 19.

The second cam 29 formed at the end perimeter of the second rotatingshaft 12 has on its perimeter surface indentations and protrusionsformed with predetermined heights and widths. When the center axis ofthe second casing 2 and the center axis of the third casing 3 arecollinear (normal open style or movie style), the indentation of thesecond cam 29 and the side end 17 b of the restriction plate 17 abut. Onthe other hand, when the center the second casing 2 and the third casing3 are not coaxially provided, the protrusion of the second cam 29 andthe side end 17 b of the restriction plate 17 abut.

When the side end 17 b is abutting the indentation on the second cam 29,the restriction plate 17 permits rotation of the first rotating shaft 11by the bottom end 17 a being separated in the vertical direction fromthe first cam 19 on the end outer perimeter of the first rotating shaft11, as shown in FIG. 11.

In addition, when the side end 17 b is abutting the protrusion on thesecond cam 29 and the bottom end 17 a is protruding into the differencein levels between the small diameter part 19 a and the large diameterpart 19 b of the first cam 19, or when the bottom end 17 a is engagingwith the notch 19 c in the first cam 19, as shown in FIG. 12, therestriction plate 17 restricts rotation of the first rotating shaft 11.

A mobile phone provided with the above-described two-axis hinge unit isdescribed below. FIG. 13 shows an enlargement of the folding-stylemobile phone of FIG. 1 as viewed from the third casing 3 side. The thirdcasing 3 is composed of a bottom case 34 and a top case 35. The lowercase 34, which is narrower than the top case 35, is positioned in anindentation 1 a formed in the end of the first casing 1. This lower case34 and protrusions 1 b positioned on both sides of the indentation 1 ain the first casing 1 are rotatably connected via the first rotatingshaft 11 and the third rotating shaft 13. Through this, the secondcasing 2 and the third casing 3 can open and close with respect to thefirst casing 1 in the vertical direction about the first rotating shaft11 and the third rotating shaft 13.

In addition, in the folded style, the top case 35 is positioned on anextension of the second casing 2, as shown in the drawing. A portion ofthe side of this top case 35 and a portion of the side of the secondcasing 2 are rotatably connected via the second rotating shaft 12.

Through this, the second casing 2 can open and close with respect to thethird casing 3 in the horizontal direction about the second rotatingshaft 12.

Furthermore, a protrusion 34 a formed in a planar shape and extending inthe left-right direction, is formed on the top of the lower case 34, asshown in FIG. 14. The protrusion 34 a serves the function of closing therelease of the top case 35, and a bumper 23 made of rubber or some othersoft, shock-absorbing material, is provided on the bottom surface of theprotrusion 34 a. A below-described pass-through hole 34 c is formed onthe bottom surface of the protrusion 34 a, and the bumper 23 also servesthe function of plugging the pass-through hole 34 c. A hole 34 b intowhich the first rotating shaft 11 is inserted is formed on the rightside of the lower case 34 in FIG. 14, and a hole into which the thirdrotating shaft 13 is inserted is formed on the left side.

In addition, when the lower case 34 is made of resin, the pass-throughhole 34 c formed in the bottom surface of the protrusion 34 a remains inorder to form a slit 34 d due to a protrusion provided in the bottommold (unrepresented).

Furthermore, a lock release button 24 is incorporated into the thirdcasing 3 on the side opposite the second rotating shaft 12 between thetop surface of the side of the protrusion 34 a of the lower case 34 andthe bottom surface of the side of the top case 35, as shown in FIGS. 13and 15. The lock release button 24 has an arm 24 a that protrudes intothe third casing 3, as shown in FIG. 15. In addition, a slit 34 d isformed in the top surface of the side of the protrusion 34 a of thelower case 34. A lock clasp 25 is positioned on top of the protrusion 34a and is incorporated so as to engage with the slit 34 d and freelyslide in the direction of the second casing 2. In addition, a coilspring 26 is mounted on the lock clasp 25 and is incorporated so as toabut the member in which the slit 34 d is formed. The lock clasp 25 isurged by the coil spring 26 in the direction of protruding from the endof the third casing 3. Furthermore, the arm 24 a of the lock releasebutton 24 engages integrally with an arm 26 a of the lock clasp 25.

That is to say, the lock clasp 25 engages with an indentation(unrepresented) formed in the end of the second casing 2 through theurging force of the coil spring 26. The opening and closing action ofthe second casing 2 through rotation of the second rotating shaft 12 isrestricted through the engagement of the lock clasp 25 and theindentation formed in the end surface of the second casing 2. In otherwords, the mobile phone is restricted from going from the folded styleto the below-described book style. In addition, in the below-describedmovie style, the mobile phone is restricted from going to a high anglestyle and a low angle style. The lock release button 24 that engageswith the lock clasp 25 is positioned to the side of the second casing 2in the natural state.

On the other hand, when the lock release button 24 is slid by the userin a direction separating from the second casing 2, the engagementbetween the lock clasp 25 and the indentation formed in the end surfaceof the second casing 2 is released. When the engagement between the lockclasp 25 and the indentation formed in the end surface of the secondcasing 2 is released, the actions of opening and closing the secondcasing 2 through rotation of the second rotating shaft 12 is permitted.In other words, the mobile phone is permitted to go from the foldedstyle to the below-described book style. In addition, in the movie stylethe mobile phone is permitted to go to the high angle style and the lowangle style.

FIGS. 1 and 13 show the state with the second casing 2 and the thirdcasing 3 overlapping the first casing 1 (the folded style). FIG. 8 showsthe two-axis hinge unit 10 in this folded style. This is a state inwhich the first attachment members 21 and the second attachment member22 are positioned parallel to the frame 30.

In this state, the side end 17 b of the restriction plate 17 abuts theindentation in the second cam 29. At this time, the bottom end 17 a ofthe restriction plate 17 is in a position separated in the verticaldirection from the small diameter part 19 a of the first cam 19, asshown in FIG. 9, and thus does not interfere with the first cam 19.Consequently, the restriction plate 17 permits rotation of the firstrotating shaft 11 and rotation of the second rotating shaft 12.

Next, FIG. 2 and FIGS. 16 through 18 show the normal open style in whichthe second casing 2 and the third casing 3 are opened in the verticaldirection with respect to the first casing 1 about the first rotatingshaft 11 and the third rotating shaft 13. In FIGS. 16 and 17, thedirection indicated by the arrow A in a direction orthogonal to thethird casing 3 is the orientation of the movie camera 7. In addition,the direction indicated by the arrow B in a direction orthogonal to thesecond casing 2 is the orientation of the screen of the display unit 5.Furthermore, FIG. 21 shows the two-axis hinge unit 10 in this normalopen style. This normal open style is a state in which the firstrotating shaft 11 and the third rotating shaft 13 integrally connectedto the left and right first attachment members 21 are rotated 180degrees from the angle in the folded style.

At this time, rotation of the first rotating shaft 11 is permittedbecause the bottom end 17 a of the restriction plate 17 is separated inthe vertical direction from the large diameter part 19 b of the firstcam 19, as shown in FIG. 22. On the other hand, rotation of the secondrotating shaft 12 is restricted because the side end 17 b abuts theprotrusion of the second cam 29 formed on the end perimeter of thesecond rotating shaft 12 and the bottom end 17 a abuts the largediameter part 19 b of the first cam 19, as shown in FIG. 10.

Thus, by opening the second casing 2 and the third casing 3 to themaximum in the vertical direction with respect to the first casing 1about the first rotating shaft 11 and the third rotating shaft 13, themobile phone changes from the folded style to the normal open style.When changing styles in this manner, the back surface of the protrusion1 b of the first casing 1 and the third casing 3 abut, applying a shock.In order to soften the shock of the protrusion 1 b of the first casing 1and the third casing 3 abutting, the bumper 23 is formed in the innersurface of the third casing 3, as shown enlarged in FIG. 19.

Thus, the bumper 23, which functions as a shock-absorbing material inthe normal open style, is positioned in a place not visible from theoutside in a position inside the third casing 3 when in the folded styleout of design considerations. In addition, the bumper 23 also has thefunction of plugging the pass-through hold 34 c, as discussed above.

A bumper (shock-absorbing material) 27 may also be provided on the rearsurface of the protrusion 1 b of the first casing 1, as shown in FIG.20. This bumper 27 can absorb the impact when the rear surface of theprotrusion 1 b of the first casing 1 and the third casing 3 abut whenthe mobile phone is opened in the vertical direction, can absorb theimpact when the mobile phone is placed on a desk or the like and canprevent damage from friction to other surfaces of the first casing 1.Furthermore, the bumper 27 can also be used as a means of concealing thescrews that anchor the lower case and the upper case comprising thefirst casing 1.

FIGS. 3 and 23 show the book style in which the display unit 5 becomes alandscape-oriented screen by the second casing 2 opened in thehorizontal direction about the second rotating shaft 12 with respect tothe first casing 1 and the third casing 3. FIG. 24 shows the two-axishinge unit 10 in this book style. This book style is a state in whichthe second rotating shaft 12 integrally connected to the secondattachment member 22 is rotated 150 degrees toward the side from theangle in the folded style.

At this time, the side end 17 b of the restriction plate 17 abuts theouter perimeter of the second cam 29 and the second rotating shaft 12 isrestricted from rotating in the horizontal direction more than thisangle. On the other hand, the bottom end 17 a abuts the different-levelpart of the first cam 19 where there is a difference in level betweenthe small-diameter part 19 a and the large-diameter part 19 b, as shownin FIG. 25, so rotation of the first rotating shaft 11 is restricted.

Next, FIG. 4 and FIGS. 26 through 28 show the movie style in which thedisplay unit 5 becomes a landscape-oriented screen with the secondcasing 2 and the third casing 3 rotated 90 degrees with respect to thefirst casing 1 about the first rotating shaft 11 and the third rotatingshaft 13. In FIGS. 26 and 27, the orientation of the movie camera 7 isthe direction indicated by the arrow A, which is a direction orthogonalto the third casing 3. In addition, the orientation of the screen of thedisplay unit 5 is the direction indicated by the arrow B, which is adirection orthogonal to the second casing 2. Furthermore, FIG. 29 showsthe two-axis hinge unit 10 in this movie style. The movie style is astate in which the first rotating shaft 11 and the third rotating shaft13 integrally connected to the left and right first attachment members21, respectively, are rotated 90 degrees from the angle in the foldedstyle.

At this time, rotation of the second rotating shaft 12 is permittedbecause the bottom end 17 a of the restriction plate 17 is separatedfrom the notch 19 c in the large-diameter part 19 of the first cam 19,as shown in FIG. 30. Accordingly, it is possible to alter the angle ofrotation of the second casing 2 (the display unit 5) about the secondrotating shaft 12 with respect to the third casing 3. In other words,freedom in picture taking is increased because the angle of the displayunit 5 about the second rotating shaft 12 can be altered so as to be acomfortable orientation for the user confirming images shown on thedisplay unit 5 with the orientation of the movie camera 7 fixed on thesubject of photography.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 26 through 28, in the movie style it ispossible to use a shutter key 41 and a zoom key 42 provided close to thethird casing 3 on the top surface of the first casing 1 in FIGS. 26 and28, and similarly to use a submenu key 43, an image display switch key44, an audio zoom on/off key 45 (for recording remote audio related tothe zoom key 42), a face detection on/off key 46, a reverse lightingcompensation key 47, a white balance key 48 and a photography standbykey 49, all lined up on the top side of the operation unit 4 on theinside surface of the first casing 1.

Above the submenu key 43, the image display switch key 44, the audiozoom on/off key 45, the face detection on/off key 46, the reverselighting compensation key 47, the white balance key 48 and thephotography standby key 49, marks or names indicating those functionscan be printed.

In addition, to the front and rear of the operation unit 4 on the insidesurface of the first casing 1, bumpers 51 and 52 are provided so as toextend in the up-and-down direction (the shortwise direction of thefirst casing 1) in FIG. 26. These bumpers 51 and 52 absorb the impactthat occurs when the inside surface of the first casing 1 abuts thesecond casing 2 and the third casing 3 when folding the mobile phone.Furthermore, the bumpers 51 and 52 can be used to conceal screwsanchoring the top case and the bottom case comprising the first casing1.

In the above movie style, it is possible to hold the mobile phone withthe right hand by placing the thumb along the bumper 51, the indexfinger on the zoom key 42 and the middle finger on the shutter key 41,as indicated by the long dashed double-short dashed lines in FIG. 28.

By so doing, it is possible to realize a movie style easy to hold withthe right hand alone because a sense of grip can be obtained. Bumps areprovided on the surface of the bumper 51 on the side nearest the thirdcasing 3 to function as a means of preventing the thumb from slipping.

Above the white balance key 48 on the first casing 1 in FIG. 28, amicrophone hole 53 is provided. Furthermore, a left and right pair ofmicrophone holes 54 is provided on the top of the front surface, whichis the side opposite the display unit 5, in the second casing 2, asshown in FIG. 26.

Next, when the mobile phone is in the above movie style, the secondcasing 2 can be rotated in a direction separating from the third casing3 and the first casing 1 with the second rotating shaft 12 as thefulcrum. By so doing, it is possible to use the display unit 5 as afinder in a style viewing the mobile phone obliquely from below (highangle style). On the other hand, the second casing 2 can be rotated in adirection approaching the third casing 3 and the first casing 1 with thesecond rotating shaft 12 as the fulcrum. By so doing, it is possible touse the display unit 5 as a finder in a style viewing the mobile phoneobliquely from above (low angle style).

In addition, in the above-described high angle style and low anglestyle, the protrusion on the second cam 29 abuts the restriction plate17 and the bottom end 17 a of the restriction plate 17 is inserted intothe notch 19 c of the large-diameter part 19 b of the first cam 19.Through this, rotation of the first rotating shaft 11 is restricted.

In the book style, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 23, the marks or namesprinted above the submenu key 43, the image display switch key 44, theaudio zoom on/off key 45, the face detection on/off key 46, the reverselighting compensation key 47, the white balance key 48 and thephotography standby key 49 are covered by the second casing 2 and aredifficult to see. For this reason, when in the book style a control unit77 may accomplish control so that displays corresponding to therespective keys are shown on the bottom part of the display unit 5positioned above the submenu key 43, the image display switch key 44,the audio zoom on/off key 45, the face detection on/off key 46, thereverse lighting compensation key 47, the white balance key 48 and thephotography standby key 49.

In addition, in the folded style the first attachment members 21 and thesecond attachment member 22 are provided parallel in the same directionfrom the frame 30 of the two-axis hinge unit 10 and screw stoppers areformed in the ends of the first attachment members 21 and the secondattachment member 22 corresponding to the first casing 1 and the secondcasing 2, as shown in FIG. 8. In other words, the first attachmentmembers 21 and the second attachment member 22, and the first casing 1and the second casing 2, are fastened together by screws from the aboveof both in the figure. Because the first attachment members 21 and thesecond attachment member 22 are thus formed, it is easy to tune (orrepair) misalignment of the first casing 1 and the second casing 2 inthe folded style after assembly procedures.

Next, FIG. 31 shows an enlarged view of the restriction plate 17 shownin FIG. 30. As shown in this figure, the restriction plate 17 has asupport unit 17 c positioned around the pin 18 assembled so as to bemoveable, and a side end 17 b formed continuously with the support unit17 c and formed facing downward.

Accordingly, when rotation of the first rotating shaft 11 is restrictedby the bottom end 17 a of the restriction plate 17 entering the notch 19c in the large-diameter part 19 b of the first cam 19 on the endperimeter of the first rotating shaft 11, as shown in FIG. 12, that isto say in the state with the second casing 2 rotated 90 degrees to theside toward the third casing 3 about the second rotating shaft 12 on topin the movie style of FIG. 28, as discussed above, even if pressure isexcessively applied to the second casing 2 and the third casing 3 in thedirection of folding toward the first casing 1 side, the support unit 17c positioned on the perimeter of the pin 18 of the restriction plate 17temporarily spreads as a result of the presence of the side end 17 bfacing downward, so it is possible to avoid damage to the pin 18 causedby loads in the lift direction by the notch 19 c in the large-diameterpart 19 b of the first cam 19 with respect to the bottom end 17 a of therestriction plate 17.

A mobile phone according to the above-described embodiment is providedwith a casing structure in which the first rotating shaft 11 and thethird rotating shaft 13 which cause the first casing 1 having theoperation unit 4 and the second casing 2 having the display unit 5 tomove relative to each other from a folded and overlapping state so as toopen in the vertical direction, and a second rotating shaft 12 thatsimilarly causes the casings to open in the horizontal direction, arehoused in the third casing 3 along with the movie camera 7. With thiskind of structure, when the first casing 1 and the second casing 2 areopened in the vertical direction, the third casing 3 moves along withthe second casing 2, and in addition, when the casings are opened in thehorizontal direction, only the third casing 3 moves. In other words, bychanging from the normal open style to the movie style or the book styleas needed, it is possible to view the screen of the display unit 5sideways.

Furthermore, when in the movie style, it is possible for the secondcasing 2 having the display unit 5 to rotate about the central secondrotating shaft 12 with respect to the third casing 3 having the moviecamera 7. By so doing, it is possible to achieve a high angle style inwhich the display unit 5 is viewed obliquely from below as the finderwhen shooting movies, or a low angle style in which the display unit 5is viewed obliquely from above.

Furthermore, the first rotating shaft 11, the second rotating shaft 12and the third rotating shaft 13 are attached to the high-strength frame30 of the third casing 3. Furthermore, the first attachment members 21are assembled integrally with the first rotating shaft 11 and the thirdrotating shaft 13 in the first casing 1, and the second attachmentmember 22 is assembled integrally with the second rotating shaft 12, andconsequently the two-axis hinge unit 10 has high total strength.

Furthermore, the first wiring 31 has one end anchored inside the firstcasing 1, passes through the hollow interior of the first rotating shaft11 and has the other end anchored inside the third casing 3. Inaddition, the second wiring 32 has one end anchored inside the firstcasing 1, passes through the hollow interior of the first rotating shaft11 and the hollow interior of the second rotating shaft 12 and has theother end anchored inside the second casing 2. In this manner, the firstrotating shaft 11 and the second rotating shaft 12 have hollowinteriors, so it is possible to supply electrical power in a stablemanner inside the three casings regardless of whether the mobile phoneis changed to normal open style, book style or movie style.

In addition, the two-axis hinge unit 10 is provided with the restrictionplate 17 positioned between the first rotating shaft 11 and the secondrotating shaft 12. At a predetermined rotational position of one of therotating shafts, this restriction plate 17 is pressed by this onerotating shaft and engages with the other rotating shaft, restrictingthe rotation of this other rotating shaft. Consequently, even when thefirst rotating shaft 11 and the second rotating shaft 12, which open thefirst casing 1 and the second casing 2 vertically and horizontally, areseparated as in this embodiment, it is possible to restrict rotation ofone shaft as necessary in the above-described normal open style, bookstyle and movie style.

(Embodiment 2) Next, FIGS. 32, 33A and 33B show the composition of therestriction member of the second embodiment. The restriction member ofthe second embodiment is provided with a first cam 61, a second cam 62,a first restriction plate (first member) 63, a second restriction plate(second member) 64, a first anchoring pin 65, a second anchoring pin 66and a sliding support plate 67.

The first cam is formed integrally on the end of the first rotatingshaft 11 and is formed of a disc cam shaped such that the distance fromthe center to the perimeter surface is not constant. Similarly, thesecond cam is formed integrally on the end of the second rotating shaft12 and is formed of a disc cam shaped such that the distance from thecenter to the perimeter surface is not constant. In addition, the firstrestriction plate 63 is formed in a board shape and the lower surfacethereof in FIG. 32 abuts the perimeter surface of the first cam 61.Similarly, the second restriction plate 64 is formed in a board shapeand the side surface thereof in FIG. 32 abuts the perimeter surface ofthe second cam 62.

The first restriction plate 63 has a guide hole 63 a formed in thevertical direction with which the first anchoring pin 65 engages, andabove that has a restriction hole 63 b. The second restriction plate 64has a guide hole 64 a formed in the sideways direction with which thesecond anchoring pin 66 engages. Furthermore, the second restrictionplate 64 has, at its end part in the side facing the restriction hole 63b, a restriction protrusion 64 b tapered to narrow toward the tip end.The slide support plate 67 abuts the side surface of the firstrestriction plate 63 and guides movement thereof in the verticaldirection, and also abuts the top and bottom surfaces of the secondrestriction plate 64 and guides movement thereof in the horizontaldirection.

FIGS. 32, 33A and 33B schematically show the restriction memberconstituent parts in the folded style. As shown in these figures, thebottom surface of the first restriction plate 63 abuts the perimetersurface of the base of the first cam 61 (the part of a disc cam in whichthe length connecting the perimeter and the center of rotation is thesmallest radius), and the side surface of the second restriction plate64 abuts the perimeter surface of the base of the second cam 62. Asshown in FIG. 33A, in this state the second restriction plate 64 is notpositioned above the upward track of the first restriction plate 63, sothe first restriction plate 63 can move upward. In other words, thefirst cam 61 abutting the first restriction plate 63 can rotate, andhence the first rotating shaft 11, which is formed integrally with thefirst cam 61, can rotate. Consequently, the second casing 2 and thethird casing 3 can rotate in a direction separating from the firstcasing 1 via the first attachment members 21 attached to the firstrotating shaft 11. In other words, the user can change the mobile phonefrom folded style to normal open style or movie style.

On the other hand, because the restriction hole 63 b of the firstrestriction plate 63 is positioned on the sideways track of the secondrestriction plate 64, the second restriction plate 64 can move in thesideways direction without progress being impeded by the firstrestriction plate 63. In other words, because the second cam 62 abuttingthe second restriction plate 64 can rotate, the second rotating shaft12, which is formed integrally with the second cam 62, can rotate.Hence, the second casing 2 can rotate in a direction separating from thefirst casing 1 and the third casing 3 via the second attachment member22 attached to the second rotating shaft 12. That is to say, the usercan change the mobile phone from the folded style to the book style.

FIGS. 34A and 34B schematically show the restriction member constituentparts in the normal open style. The first rotating shaft 11 and thethird rotating shaft 13 rotate 180 degrees from the angle in the foldedstyle of FIG. 33A and FIG. 33B, and as shown in FIGS. 34A and 34B, thefirst restriction plate 63 is pressed upward by the cam top (in a disccam, the part where the length connecting the perimeter and the axis ofrotation is the maximum radius) of the first cam 61. Through this, therestriction protrusion 64 b of the second restriction plate 64 becomesunable to enter the restriction hole 63 b of the first restriction plate63. In other words, although a small amount of rotation of the secondcam 62 and the second rotating shaft 12 is tolerated until therestriction protrusion 64 b of the second restriction plate 64 abuts theside surface of the first restriction plate 63, rotation beyond this isrestricted. Accordingly, rotation of the second casing 2 in the sidewaysdirection is restricted in the normal open style.

FIGS. 35A and 35B schematically show the restriction member constituentparts in the book style. The second rotating shaft 12 rotates 180degrees from the angle in the folded style of FIG. 33A and FIG. 33B, andas shown in the figures, the second restriction plate 64 is pressed bythe cam top of the second cam 62 and advances toward the restrictionprotrusion 64 b. When this occurs, the restriction protrusion 64 b atthe tip of the second restriction plate 64 is press-inserted into therestriction hole 63 b of the first restriction plate 63. Accordingly,upward and downward movement of the first restriction plate 63 isrestricted by the restriction protrusion 64 b. When this occurs, becausethe perimeter of the base of the first cam 61 abuts the bottom surfaceof the first restriction plate 63, rotation of the first cam 61 isrestricted and thus rotation of the first rotating shaft 11 isrestricted. Accordingly, forcible rotation of the second casing 2 in thevertical direction in book style is restricted.

Next, FIG. 36 shows a corresponding example of the restriction memberconstituent parts in movie style. As shown in this figure, a restrictionhole 63 c, which is positioned facing the restriction protrusion 64 b inmovie style, is formed between the guide hole 63 a and the restrictionhole 63 b in the first restriction plate 63.

FIG. 37 shows the restriction member constituent parts in folded style,and as shown in this figure, the restriction hole 63 b is positioned infront of the second restriction plate 64.

FIG. 38 shows the restriction member constituent parts in movie style.By rotating the first rotating shaft 11 90 degrees from the angle in thefolded state, the first restriction plate 63 is pressed upward by thefirst cam 61, and as shown in the figure, the restriction hole 63 c ispositioned in front of the second restriction plate 64.

When the second rotating shaft 12 rotates 90 degrees in this state, thesecond restriction plate 64 is pressed by the second cam 62 and advancesforward, as shown in the figure, and the restriction protrusion 64 b atthe tip thereof is press-inserted into the restriction hole 63 c of thefirst restriction plate 63. Through this, rotation of the first rotatingshaft 11 is restricted.

Accordingly, unreasonable rotation of the second casing 2 in thevertical direction centered about the first rotating shaft 11 isrestricted in a state with the second casing 2 rotated 90 degrees aboutthe second rotating shaft 12 in movie style. That is to say, when themobile phone is in high angle style or low angle style, rotation of thethird casing 3 with respect to the first casing 1 is prevented, so astable posture can be maintained.

Next, FIG. 39 shows an example of using the mobile phone in book style.As shown in this figure, when the mobile phone is gripped with two handswhen in book style, the right thumb is naturally positioned on thebumper 52 part of the end of the first casing 1 and the left thumb isnaturally positioned on the third casing, which protrudes more than thefirst casing 1 having the operation unit 4. Consequently, good grip andoperability are realized.

FIG. 40 shows an example of an interface 71 mounted on the third casing3, with the mobile phone in a normal open style. By mounting theinterface 71 on the third casing 3 in this manner, the interface 71 isexposed to the outside and can be used whether the mobile phone is inopen style or folded style. Through this, easiness of use is enhancedand it is possible to improve the mobile phone's operability.

FIG. 41 is an example of an electronic component in which a fingerprintsensor or touch sensor 72 is mounted on the casing 3, and shows themobile phone in the normal open style. By providing a fingerprint sensoror touch sensor 72 on the third casing 3 in this manner, it is possibleto operate the main screen pointer of the display unit 5 in open style,making operation of the main screen possible.

FIG. 42 shows the folded style of the example in FIG. 41, so that evenin folded style it is possible to read fingerprints with the fingerprintsensor 72, making it possible to set or release security and enablingother abbreviated functions.

FIG. 43 is an example of an electronic part with an incoming call lamp73 mounted on the third casing 3 in the normal open state. By providingthe incoming call lamp 73 on the third casing 3 in this manner, it ispossible to add an announce function when the phone rings and anillumination function for other actions, in the open style.

FIG. 44 shows the folded style of the example in FIG. 43, so that evenin the closed style, it is possible to add an announce function for whenthe mobile phone rings and illumination functions for other operations(for example, an operation that pays through a credit card function).

FIG. 45 is an example of electronic parts with a submonitor and a touchpanel 74 mounted on the third casing 3, and shows the normal open style.By providing a submonitor and a touch panel 74 on the third casing 3 inthis manner, it is possible to display various information, to operatethe pointer of the main screen of the display unit 5 and to similarlyoperate the main screen.

FIG. 46 shows the folded style of the example of FIG. 45, so that in theclosed style as well, it is possible to display various information, todisplay a logo, to read fingerprints or the like, to set and releasesecurity and to accomplish other abbreviated functions.

FIG. 47 show the normal open style for an example of electronic partswith an inner camera 75 mounted on the third casing 3. By providing aninner camera 75 on the third casing 3 in this manner, in the open styleTV telephony becomes possible, operation of the pointer of the mainscreen of the display unit 5 becomes possible and similarly operation ofthe main screen becomes possible.

FIG. 48 shows the folded style of the example in FIG. 47, so that inclosed style, it is possible to read fingerprints, set and releasesecurity and accomplish other abbreviated functions.

Next, FIG. 49 shows the two-axis hinge unit 10 and the second wiring 32of FIG. 7 as viewed from a different direction. In addition, FIG. 50shows an enlargement of the part of FIG. 49 indicated by the arrow E. Inaddition, FIG. 51 shows the second wiring 32 of FIG. 50 and therelationship of this to the holding member 81 thereof. In addition, FIG.52 shows the holding member 81 of FIG. 51 as viewed from a differentdirection.

The antenna wire 33 and the second wiring 32, which are coaxial cablesthat pass through the hollow part of the first rotating shaft 11 andpass through the hollow part of the second rotating shaft 12, passthrough and are held by the pass-through hole 81 a of the resin holdingmember 81. This holding member 81 has a pass-through hold 81 a throughwhich pass the second wiring 32 and the antenna wire 33, as shown inFIGS. 51, 52, and 53, and has on the top surface thereof a clasp 82having an L-shaped cross-section. The holding member 81 is positioned atthe hole in the bracket 14 on the side surface of the frame 30, this isfastened to the bracket 14 by the clasp 82.

By having this separate holding member 81 mounted on the bracket 14 onthe side surface of the frame 30 in this manner, it is easy to hold andguide through the wiring path the antenna wire 33 and the second wiring32, which are coaxial cables passing inside the frame 30. Through thefunctions of this holding member 81, the second wiring 32 and theantenna wire 33 can be stably held without being cut even when the styleof the mobile phone is changed.

Further, the holding member 81 can prohibit the second wiring 32 and theantenna wire 33 from being an obstacle in the motion of the restrictionplate 17.

Next, FIG. 54 shows the incoming call lamp 55 and the logo piece 56 ofthe mobile phone of FIG. 1 in folded style. The incoming call lamp 55and the logo piece 56, which is shown roughly oblong in shape in thedrawing, are formed on the top surface of the second casing 2 in foldedstyle.

As shown in FIG. 55, the incoming call lamp 55 is formed in a slit shapebetween the top case and the cover 57 provided on the top surface of theend of the top case of the second casing 2. In addition, a three-colorLED light source 58 is positioned below the logo piece 56 through alight-blocking member, and a light-guide member 59 is positioned towardthe bottom of the cover 57 from near this three-color LED light source58. In other words, the part of this light-guide member 59 positioned atthe slit formed between the end of the top case and the cover 57 becomesthe incoming call lamp 55.

As shown in FIG. 56, light from the three-light LED light source 58 atthe time of an incoming call is emitted to the outside in a readilyvisible manner as the incoming call lamp 55 after passing through thelight-guide member 59.

As shown in FIG. 57, the logo piece 56, for example, may be formed oftransparent materials. By so doing, the logo piece 56 can also give offlight in a readily visible manner along with the incoming call lamp 55at the time of incoming calls.

As shown in FIG. 58, the front surface of the top case may also beformed of a transparent material. By so doing, the front surface of thetop case can also give off light in a readily visible manner along withthe incoming call lamp 55 at the time of incoming calls.

As shown in FIG. 59, a flash 610 with an LED light source may beprovided at a position adjacent to the incoming call lamp 55 in thecenter of the cover 57. By so doing, the incoming call lamp 55 can emitlight in a readily visible manner at the time of incoming calls, andfurthermore, when using the camera and shooting movies, the flash 610 ofthe photography unit 7 can also emit light in a readily visible manner.In addition, when a call is received simultaneously with the emission oflight from the flash 610, the incoming call lamp can emit light in areadily visible manner.

Next, FIG. 60 shows a charging lamp 620 in the normal open style of FIG.2. As shown in this drawing, the slit-shaped charging lamp 620 isprovided to the side surface and the top surface of the top case, nearthe photography standby key 49 in the first casing 1.

As shown in FIG. 61, the three-light LED light source 630 is positionednear the photograph standby key 49 inside the first casing 1. Thelight-guide member 640 is positioned to the top and side from near thisthree-light LED light source 630. That is to say, the portion of thislight-guide member 640 positioned in the slit formed in the side surfaceand top surface of the top case becomes the charging lamp 620.

As shown in FIG. 62, light emitted from the three-light LED light source630 at the time of charging passes through the light-guide member 640and is emitted to the outside in a readily visible manner as thecharging lamp 620. In addition, the charging lamp 620 emits light in areadily visible manner to the outside when the photography standby key49, which is a special key, is used. Through this, the user can visiblyconfirm the photography standbystate.

In addition, the light emitted by the charging lamp 620 and thephotography standby key 49 may be shared, and in so doing, the charginglamp 620 and the photography standby key 49 both emit light in a readilyvisible manner at the time of charging, and in addition, the charginglamp 620 and the photography standby key 49 both emit light in a readilyvisible manner when the photography standby key 49 is used.

As shown in FIG. 63, by forming the part of the top case near thecharging lamp 620 of transparent materials, the charging lamp 620 andthe parts close thereto can emit light in a readily visible manner atthe time of charging and at the time the photography standby key 49 isused.

In addition, by providing the incoming call lamp 55 on the end of thesecond casing 2 to the third casing 3 side, positioning the three-lightLED light source 58 below the logo piece 56 provided near that incomingcall lamp 55 and providing the light-guide member 59 for guiding lightfrom this three-light LED light source 58 to the incoming call lamp 55,it is possible for the incoming call lamp 55 to emit light in a readilyvisible manner by emitting light from this three-light LED light source58 at the time of incoming calls.

In addition, by providing the charging lamp 620 near the photographystandby key 49 on the side of the first casing 1 separated from thethird casing 3, positioning the three-light LED light source 630 on thebottom side near the photography standby key 49 and providing thelight-guide member 640 to guide light from this three-light LED lightsource 630 to the charging lamp 620, it is possible for the charginglamp 620 to emit light in a readily visible manner by emitting lightfrom the three-light LED light source 630 at the time the specialphotography standby key 49 is used.

(Variation) FIGS. 64 and 65 show a variation. In the above-describedembodiments, the two-axis hinge unit 10 was explained with the secondrotating shaft 12 provided on one side of the third casing 3. In thisvariation, the second rotating shaft 12 is provided in the center of thethird casing 3, as shown in the figures. In other words, the secondcasing 2 rotates freely about the first casing 1 and the third casing 3centered about the centrally positioned second rotating shaft 12.

With a two-axis hinge unit 10 having the second rotating shaft 12provided in the center in this manner, it is possible to achieve themovie style the same as in the above-described embodiments, as shown inthe figures, and furthermore, by changing the orientation of the displayunit 5 as a finder, it is possible to achieve the high angle style andthe low angle style.

In the above-described embodiments, the description was of a mobilephone, but this is intended to be illustrative and not limiting, for thepresent invention may also be used in PDAs (Personal DigitalAssistants), notebook personal computers, wearable personal computers,calculators, electronic notebooks and all other equipments in whichcasings can freely open horizontally or vertically.

In addition, the shape of the restriction members is arbitrary, andnaturally it is possible to appropriately change this with otherspecific detailed structures or the like.

Having described and illustrated the principles of this application byreference to one or more preferred embodiments, it should be apparentthat the preferred embodiments may be modified in arrangement and detailwithout departing from the principles disclosed herein and that it isintended that the application be construed as including all suchmodifications and variations insofar as they come within the spirit andscope of the subject matter disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A two-axis hinge comprising: a first rotatingshaft, which is positioned on a boundary between an end of a firstcasing and an end of a second casing, and which through rotating in onedirection changes between a folded state with the first casing and thesecond casing overlapping and an open state with the first casing andthe second casing separated from each other; a second rotating shaft,which is positioned orthogonal to the first rotating shaft, and whichthrough rotating in another direction orthogonal to the first directionchanges between a folded state with the first casing and the secondcasing overlapping and an open state with the first casing and thesecond casing separated from each other; and a restriction member, whichis positioned at an end of the first rotating shaft and an end of thesecond rotating shaft facing said end of the first rotating shaft, suchthat when one of the rotating shafts is in a predetermined rotationalposition, the restriction member is pressed by said one rotating shaftand engages with the other rotating shaft, restricting rotation of saidother rotating shaft; wherein the restriction member abuts a camprovided on said one rotating shaft, moves rotationally by abutting saidcam and engages with said other rotating shaft.
 2. The two-axis hingeaccording to claim 1, further comprising: a first cam provided on thefirst rotating shaft and having a non-uniform radius including a largediameter part and a small diameter part; and a second cam provided onthe second rotating shaft and having a non-uniform radius including alarge diameter part and a small diameter part; wherein the restrictionmember is provided swingably and includes one end that abuts and engageswith the first cam and said other end that abuts and engages with thesecond cam, such that when said one end abuts the large diameter part ofthe first cam, the restriction member swings so as to engage said otherend with the second cam, thereby restricting rotation of the secondrotating shaft, and when said other end abuts the large diameter part ofthe second cam, the restriction member swings so as to engage said oneend with the first cam, thereby restricting rotation of the firstrotating shaft, and when said one end and said other end are abuttingthe small diameter part of the first cam and the small diameter part ofthe second cam, rotation of the second rotating shaft and the firstrotating shaft is permitted.
 3. The two-axis hinge according to claim 2,wherein: the first cam has a notch formed in one part of the largediameter part; and said notch permits rotation of the second rotatingshaft by permitting swing of the restriction member.
 4. The two-axishinge according to claim 1, further comprising: a third rotating shaftpositioned collinear to the first rotating shaft; and a bearing thatsupports the third rotating shaft and through which a click sensation isobtained at predetermined angles of rotation of the third rotatingshaft.
 5. The two-axis hinge according to claim 1, further comprising athird casing housing the first rotating shaft and the second rotatingshaft; wherein electronic components are housed in the third casing. 6.The two-axis hinge according to claim 5, wherein the electroniccomponents comprise a movie camera.
 7. The two-axis hinge according toclaim 1, further comprising: a holding member; wherein the firstrotating shaft and the second rotating shaft are hollow members throughwhich wires pass; said wires pass through the interior of the hollowmembers of the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft; andthe holding member holds the wires between the first rotating shaft andthe second rotating shaft.
 8. The two-axis hinge according to claim 7,wherein the wires are wiring electrically connecting circuit boardsrespectively provided in the first casing and the second casing.
 9. Amobile device comprising: a first casing; a second casing; and atwo-axis hinge comprising a first rotating shaft, which is positioned ona boundary between an end of the first casing and an end of the secondcasing, and which through rotating in one direction changes between afolded state with the first casing and the second casing overlapping andan open state with the first casing and the second casing separated fromeach other; a second rotating shaft, which is positioned orthogonal tothe first rotating shaft, and which through rotating in anotherdirection orthogonal to the first direction changes between a foldedstate with the first casing and the second casing overlapping and anopen state with the first casing and the second casing separated fromeach other; and a restriction member, which is positioned at an end ofthe first rotating shaft and an end of the second rotating shaft facingsaid end of the first rotating shaft, such that when one of the rotatingshafts is in a predetermined rotational position, the restriction memberis pressed by said one rotating shaft and engages with the otherrotating shaft, restricting rotation of said other rotating shaft;wherein the restriction member abuts a cam provided on said one rotatingshaft, swings by abutting said cam and engages with said other rotatingshaft.
 10. The mobile device according to claim 9, wherein: the firstcasing is provided with an operation unit; and the second casing isprovided with a display unit.
 11. The mobile device according to claim9, further comprising: a first wiring, one end of which is anchoredinside the first casing and the other end of which is anchored insidethe third casing; and a second wiring, one end of which is anchoredinside the first casing and the other end of which is anchored insidethe second casing; wherein the first rotating shaft and the secondrotating shaft are hollow members; the first wiring passes through thehollow part inside the first rotating shaft, and the second wiringpasses through the hollow part inside the first rotating shaft and thesecond rotating shaft.
 12. The mobile device according to claim 9,further comprising: a third casing that houses the first rotating shaftand the second rotating shaft; first attachment members formedintegrally with the first rotating shaft and being attached to the firstcasing; and a second attachment member formed integrally with the secondrotating shaft and being attached to the second casing.
 13. The mobiledevice according to claim 12, wherein shock-absorbing material forabsorbing impacts is provided on abutting parts when the first casing,the second casing or the third casing opens and closes relative to eachother.
 14. The mobile device according to claim 12, wherein alight-emitting part is provided on an end of the second casing on theside closer to the third casing.
 15. The mobile device according toclaim 14, further comprising: a logo piece provided on a surface of thesecond casing near the light-emitting part; an LED light sourcepositioned inside the second casing; and a light-guide member forguiding light from the LED light source to the light-emitting part.